SAN FRANCISCO (AP) – A federal judge in San Francisco says his ruling won’t be issued anytime soon on whether to dismiss a sweeping lawsuit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency over pesticides.

The Center for Biological Diversity and Pesticide Action Network North America allege the EPA has allowed hundreds of pesticides to be used despite evidence of harmful effects on more than 200 endangered and threatened species.

The groups want the court to order the EPA to consult with wildlife experts on the use of 384 pesticides.

In their dismissal motion, EPA attorneys argued that the plaintiffs failed to show a causal link between EPA actions and harm to endangered species. The federal agency also said it already conducts myriad tests on pesticides to ensure safety. The judge heard arguments on the issue on Friday.

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